Guest Book

Was fortunate enough to win the DaveFM 92.9 "Circle of Friends" show w/Horde Tour veterans Big Head Todd & the Monsters on Friday afternoon. It was 75 or so contest winners at "Vinyl" at Atlanta's Center Stage Theatre. Anyway, show was a great 50 minute set of acoustic BHTM and it was superb. After winning tickets Monday night, I quickly had to bring myself up to speed on anything they had done since 1993. Their website provided plenty to dig into. What a nice songbook. There are at least a half dozen on each album that are just wonderfully written melodic rock. Classic music to these ears. BHTM is three originals who have been together since 1987 (minus a couple yrs in the late 90s when they didn't do much while in record company limbo). They met in high school, and all went to the U of Colorado. They've had a couple different touring members including their current pedal steel and keyboard player, who joined about 4 years ago. Anyway, singer, guitarist, songwriter Todd Park Mohr and their touring-member Jeremy Lawton were the standouts. Lawton was so good we couldn't believe he has not negotiated his way into press/tour photos yet! He handled most of the solos in the acoustic setting although Park Mohr appears to handle the majority when they are electric. They've got about a half dozen studio and 2 live albums and had their one big hit with "Bittersweet" back in 1993. They did a fine version of that favorite on Friday. They still have a very big following in CO and play Red Rocks to capacity each summer. Nationally, they seem to be the Theatre / House of Blues type act with a dedicated, albeit cult, following. Glad I became familiar again with Big Head Todd. Lots to download on their website if you want to dip your toes in. I prefer the melodic stuff over the heavier ZZ Top-type material (highly suggest Dinner With Ivan, Bittersweet, Beauty Queen, Please Don't Tell Her, Turn the Lights Out all available as free live downloads). Park Mohr really is one talented, passionate and underappreciated singer/guitarist and I'm surprised he doesn't spark more conversation around these parts. They shied away from their early taste of the big time (refused to do a "Bittersweet" video) so I appreciate a band that can make an honest full-time living for 2 decades with quality original music, and less than half that time spent with the support of a major label. Add BHTM as an opener for the short Allman tour this summer and we'd have a winning combination.